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The Dunne Dispatch - 02/09/2024
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
I am excited to share the latest edition of the Dunne Dispatch with you. After much work, we have established a new rhythm and format. Every other week, we will share a “report card” on my activities and advocacy, along with news and celebrations. In the intervening weeks, we will deliver a calendar of community and school events.
As I was preparing this newsletter, I wanted to share the most important thing that I have learned over the past month: ONE PILL CAN KILL. While substance abuse has declined in recent years, the number of fatal opioid overdoses continue to increase due to fentanyl, an especially powerful opioid that is lethal, even in small doses.
Here is the sad reality. Children and adults are dying because they borrow a pill—a Benadryl, Tylenol, or Xanax—from a friend, and they die because the pill was laced with fentanyl. You might think that this phenomenon is limited to people who use illegal drugs, but you would be wrong. Regular people living regular lives borrow a pill, and…
Counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl look the same as authentic pills. For your safety, please ensure you and your family obtain your medications from reputable pharmacies. Please do not borrow pills or purchase medications online from unknown companies.
Very respectfully,
 Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative
In the Community
- On January 22, I held my first Virtual Town Hall. I appreciated the opportunity to learn about your concerns and priorities. We discussed a wide range of issues, to include advanced academics, inclusive preschool, special education, and student enrollment forecasts. My next Virtual Town Hall will be held on March 12, 7:00 - 8:15 pm. Sign up here to register.
- On February 2, I had the honor to attend a historic performance—Tales of Anansi, the first theater production written, choreographed, and directed by African Americans at Mount Vernon HS. I had the pleasure to meet playwright Matthew Prentiss III, director Reneé Charlow and choreographer Eboni Jones.
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On the Board
- On January 9, I participated in a School Board Work Session regarding the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which governs school construction and renovation. I advocated for FCPS to explore public-private partnerships and utilize innovative procurement practices to reduce construction costs. In addition, I advocated for FCPS to begin planning for the establishment of universal pre-kindergarten, which would impose new demands on our school building and facility needs. I also advocated for FCPS to enhance school safety and security to include security vestibules and video cameras. Finally, in the last round of questions, I inquired about the state of bathrooms at schools, particularly Sandburg Middle School, and the security practices we have in place to ensure student safety in bathrooms.
- On January 11, I participated in a School Board Regular Meeting where the Superintendent presented on “Graduation and Diploma Outcomes," I advocated for FCPS to establish a comprehensive plan to reduce dropout rates to zero, so every child has the opportunity to earn a high school diploma. FCPS recently conducted a pilot wherein nine (9) FCPS high schools—including Mount Vernon High School--received central support that led to significant reductions in dropout rates. I advocated for FCPS to expand the pilot to all high schools. In addition, I advocated for FCPS to publish demographic data on advanced, standard, and applied studies diplomas.
- On January 25, I participated in the School Board Regular Meeting and asked Superintendent Reid to discuss the effectiveness of the advanced coursework we offer students. I advocated for the need to evaluate whether these programs are fulfilling their objectives.
- On January 30, I participated in a School Board Work Session on School Board Advisory Committee Reforms and the Executive Expectation process. Our advisory committees are comprised of citizen volunteers who bring extensive knowledge and experience to FCPS's work. I advocated to ensure we see action implemented as a result of their input. During this work session, I also raised concerns about the proposed policy governance model and asked that legal counsel provide a legal brief to examine whether the proposal violates the School Board's legal and fiduciary duties prescribe by Virginia law. I also questioned the choice to use "shall not fail" language when evaluating the superintendent's performance. I look forward to working with my colleagues to address these concerns and resolve these issues.
Working for You
- When a student was denied the opportunity to take the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology admissions exam due to a scheduling conflict with another FCPS district-level activity, I intervened to ensure the student was given the opportunity to compete for the opportunity to attend TJHSST on an alternate date.
- After receiving multiple requests from families who were being denied the opportunity to attend their local school, I intervened to minimize any academic or social disruption to students to the greatest extent possible. I advocated for children to remain in the school communities where they have established relationships with their peers and educators. I worked with FCPS officials to ensure that residency concerns regarding student registration and transfers are handled in a fair and equitable way.
- In response to the inadvertent FERPA disclosure in fall 2023, I met with FCPS Legal Counsel for a full briefing on the situation. I posed questions and inquired about the specific plans and strategies the division has in place or will establish to ensure this does not happen again. I corresponded with and advocated for families who are waiting to receive information about the specific information that was disclosed.
Celebrations and News from Our Local Schools and Students
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Black History Month. This month, we commemorate Black History Month to honor the contributions, culture, and history of African Americans. Black history is American history. The journey that began in 1619 and their enduring struggle for freedom and equality opened doors for others and transformed our constitution, government, and society. Much work remains to be done. So as we remember, we must also recognize what we can do as individuals and as a society to ensure everyone has equal access and opportunity to realize their potential and the American Dream. Here in the Mount Vernon District, we honor Annie E. Harper, a Gum Springs resident who, at age 79, filed a lawsuit against the Virginia Board of Elections that led to the abolition of poll taxes in Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas. Ms. Harper's achievement was recently commemorated by the unveiling of a historical marker at her former residence on Fordson Road. Read the Black History Month Proclamation approved by the School Board on February 8, 2024.
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Lunar New Year.
Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar. It is the most important holiday in China, and it is also widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and other countries. It is a time of the year to reunite with immediate and extended family. I wish you and your families good fortune and health in the new year.
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Student Athletics
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Mount Vernon Student Earns Spot on U.S. Junior National Team. Kudos to Mount Vernon High School Student Sophy Cutter for securing a spot on the U.S. Junior Taekwondo National Team. Read more about Sophy's achievement online.
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Mount Vernon District Educators
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Whitman and Sandburg Middle Schools Receive FCPS School Communications Awards. Fairfax County Public Schools awarded outstanding school communications at the School Communicators Conference held January 26. Whitman Middle School received an Outstanding Social Media Award presented to schools that post frequently, consistently, and creatively; follow best practices, and engage their followers. Sandburg Middle School received an Outstanding Website Award presented to schools featuring innovative and creative content that is up-to-date, easy to read, accessible, and informative.
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National School Counseling Week. February 5-9 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Special thanks to the counselors who support our students in Mount Vernon District schools. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS
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Recognizing Former Hollins Hills Elementary School Teacher Ms. Billie Myler. Ms. Billie Myler, now 90 years old, was an educator for decades — including at Hollins Hills Elementary School, which was converted into the Paul Springs Community where she now resides. Read more about Ms. Myler online. Read more about the history of Hollin Hills.
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First Ever Edison Pyramid Band Concert. Edison High School Band Director Charlie Mitchell, along with the band directors of 7 other schools, planned and hosted the first ever Edison Band Pyramid concert in January. Over 130 students from Bush Hill ES, Clermont ES, Rose Hill ES, Springfield Estates ES, Franconia ES, Holmes MS and Twain MS got together on one stage to perform music.
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Celebrating Class of 2019 Alum James Wrobeh. Because of the Liberian civil war, FCPS alum James Wrobeh didn’t begin his formal education until he was well into his teens; he recalls being “14 years old sitting among little kids learning to read and write.” Five years later, James came to the United States and enrolled in Bryant High School. It was a time for many firsts for him — his first time using a computer, his first time enrolling in an American school, and his first time feeling like he had the resources and support that he needed to flourish. Read more about James’ story. Recommend a Mount Vernon student or alum we should spotlight
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Alerts and Reminders
Guns are the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the United States. If you own a gun:
(1) Use a gun lock.
(2) Keep the gun unloaded and locked up in a storage case.
(2) Lock the bullets in a place separate from the gun.
Children in Crisis: If you or your child are in crisis:
(1) Text NEEDHELP to 85511;
(2) Call 1-800-273-TALK;
(3) Call 911; or
(4) Visit 988 Lifeline online
Mental Health Support: FCPS provides high school students with access to teletherapy at no cost to families. Learn more online. Please contact your school counselor or social worker to access these services.
Upcoming Events and Activities
Save the Date: 37th Annual Mount Vernon District Town Meeting, February 10
Learn more and register online.
Book Giveaway at Lorton Community Center, February 10, 10 am - 2 pm
George Mason Financial Aid Session, February 10, 10-12:30 p.m.
You and your family are invited to learn more about financial aid from the experts at George Mason University! We will talk about scholarships, the FAFSA, and best practices for college affordability.
Access To Excellence Seminar:
Saturday, February 10, 2024; from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
George Mason University
Register Online
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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